Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
5 steps to protect your dog from antibiotic damage

5 steps to protect your dog from antibiotic damage

What probiotics should you give your dog when they are on antibiotics?

Did you know there are more bacteria and microorganisms in your dog’s body than the cells in their body? The same applies to the human body!

Most people think of bacteria as an opportunist or a pathogen in the body, but the reality is much more interesting.

Most of the information available on bacteria is either on the topic of disease-causing pathogens or probiotics, the helpful allies that keep our body and the immune system healthy. However, that is just a very small portion of what is really going on in the body.

In the last several decades, there have been huge advances in the research of so-called microbial profiles, which are the bacterial 'fingerprint' of humans, dogs and all living organisms. 

Science has confirmed that each microbial profile varies dramatically and can be assigned to a particular person or animal with 90 percent accuracy. 

Bacteria does much more than we originally thought.

Most people understand that probiotic bacteria helps digestion and the immune system, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Scientists have confirmed bacteria influences most of the functions of the body, including longevity, the propensity for weight gain and behavior, including the tendency for depression. It's very clear the science of the past gave bacteria and other microorganisms much less credit than it deserves.

The part that I find the most intriguing is that individuals from the same species may have dramatically different microbes. Also, scientists can recognize what geographical area the individual is from by their microbial profile. In other words, the microbes of living things are different in New York, Paris or Bangkok.

Biggest mysteries yet to be revealed

The science of studying microbial profiles is very exciting because it has the potential to be used for studying health and disease, happiness and even longevity. It can also be used to study the health of newborns and children. One of the fascinating findings is that children that are born by cesarean section have a much different, and generally less healthy, microbial profile because they do not pass through the birth canal. It also seems that the female body's microbial profile changes dramatically before the birth as if the bacteria know what is going on.

Antibiotics may have a severe impact on our dog's microbial profile 

Antibiotic prescriptions are the everyday reality of most veterinary practices. Sometimes they are needed, but in my experience, antibiotic use can be reduced by 90 percent or more.

Consider clearcutting in the Amazon rainforest. The loggers arrive at a thriving and diverse ecosystem that is healthy and supports life. When they leave, the ecosystem is thrown off balance and it takes decades to restore. 

The body's microbial profile is the rainforest of the body and the antibiotics are the loggers. That's why it's crucial that we reduce the use of antibiotics in medicine to a minimum. 

At the same time, there is no need to panic if an antibiotic prescription is needed.

Here are 5 steps to follow when your dog is prescribed antibiotics:
  1. Put your dog on a raw or cooked diet as a form of disease prevention.
  2. Start him or her on double the regular dose of a non-dairy probiotic that is specifically formulated for dogs. Give the probiotics at least 3 hours before or after the antibiotics to ensure maximum efficacy.  If your dog has been given probiotics during the antibiotic treatment, ensure that you continue the double dose for two weeks afterward. Giving human probiotics is not ideal because it will cause an unnatural shift in your dog's microbial profile.
  3. If your vet prescribes 'an antibiotic cocktail,' ask for a good explanation why such a measure is needed. I've seen internal medicine and dermatology specialists in particular overprescribing antibiotics.
  4. If you are curious about how to treat diarrhea or skin disease and hotspots click on the links to find natural remedies. It may be an eye-opening experience about how much we can solve without the use of drugs.
  5. The healthier the body, the healthier the microbial profile is, but the opposite is also true. That's why more people are starting to emphasize giving quality, non-dairy probiotics made with organic ingredients. 

When it comes to bacteria, we must not underestimate the role of these minute guards in the health and longevity of your dog.

© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Flying with dogs
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • dog and pony
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating fruit
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • The secret ingredient for a perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man being pointed at
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with vitamins and minerals
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias with Pax
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Why 1 in 4 Americans suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Dobias and Pax
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man raising fist on a mountain
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier eating raw food
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

By clicking "Continue" or continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We also use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience on our website. You can find out more about the cookies we use and learn how to manage them here. Feel free to check out our policies anytime for more information.

Continue

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close